from παραβάλλω; a similitude ("parable"), i.e. (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage:--comparison, figure, parable, proverb.
Transliteration:parabolḗ
Pronunciation:par-ab-ol-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word *parabolḗ* (`{{G3850}}`) derives from the verb *paraballō* (`{{G3846}}`), meaning "to throw alongside" or "to place beside." This etymological root is crucial for understanding its core meaning: a comparison, juxtaposition, or similitude. The term encompasses a broad semantic range in the New Testament:
1. **Direct Comparison or Analogy:** A simple parallel drawn between two things to illustrate a point.
2. **Proverb or Adage:** A short, pithy saying that conveys wisdom or a general truth.
3. **Symbolic Fictitious Narrative:** The most common usage, referring to a story drawn from everyday life that is told to convey a deeper spiritual or moral truth. This narrative form is not meant to be historically factual but illustrative.
4. **Figure or Symbol:** In some contexts, it refers to something that serves as a symbolic representation or type.
The unifying thread across these meanings is the act of placing one thing beside another to illuminate, explain, or make a point, often through indirect means, inviting the listener to discover the deeper meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *parabolḗ* appears 50 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Synoptic Gospels, where it describes Jesus' distinctive teaching method.
* **Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke):** Here, *parabolḗ* is almost exclusively used for Jesus' parables.
* **Teaching Method:** Jesus frequently "spoke to them in parables" ([[Matthew 13:3]], [[Mark 4:2]], [[Luke 8:4]]). These narratives, often drawn from agrarian or domestic life, made complex spiritual truths accessible and memorable (e.g., the Parable of the Sower [[Matthew 13:3-9]], the Parable of the Prodigal Son [[Luke 15:11-32]]).
* **Revelation and Concealment:** A significant aspect of Jesus' use of parables is their dual function. They reveal the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" to those who are spiritually receptive ([[Matthew 13:11-12]], [[Mark 4:11]], [[Luke 8:10]]), while simultaneously obscuring these truths from those whose hearts are hardened or unwilling to understand ([[Matthew 13:13-15]], [[Mark 4:12]]). This highlights a divine selectivity in revelation.
* **Proverbial Sayings:** Occasionally, *parabolḗ* refers to a shorter, proverbial statement rather than an extended narrative, such as "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?" ([[Luke 6:39]]). Similarly, the saying about new cloth on an old garment is called a *parabolḗ* ([[Luke 5:36]]).
* **Book of Hebrews:** In Hebrews, *parabolḗ* takes on the meaning of a "figure" or "symbol."
* [[Hebrews 9:9]]: The earthly tabernacle is described as a *parabolḗ* for the present time, meaning it serves as a symbolic representation or type of the spiritual realities found in Christ's superior sacrifice.
* [[Hebrews 11:19]]: Abraham received Isaac back "as a figure" (*en parabolē*), implying that Isaac's return from the brink of sacrifice was a symbolic prefigurement or illustration of resurrection.
The contextual usage is vital for discerning the precise nuance of *parabolḗ* in any given passage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of *parabolḗ* is deeply interwoven with other biblical terms and literary forms:
* **Hebrew *Mashal* (`{{H4912}}`):** This Old Testament term is the closest Hebrew equivalent to *parabolḗ*. It also has a broad semantic range, encompassing proverbs, riddles, allegories, and prophetic oracles. Jesus' parables fit squarely within this rich tradition of Israelite wisdom literature and prophetic discourse.
* **Greek *Paroimia* (`{{G3942}}`):** Used primarily in John's Gospel ([[John 10:6]], [[John 16:25]], [[John 16:29]]), *paroimia* also means "proverb," "figure of speech," or "dark saying." While distinct, its usage often overlaps with *parabolḗ*, particularly when referring to enigmatic or indirect speech. John's Gospel uses *paroimia* where the Synoptics might use *parabolḗ* for similar types of illustrative sayings.
* **Allegory:** While parables are often interpreted allegorically (where elements within the story represent specific spiritual truths), *parabolḗ* itself is not strictly an allegory in the classical sense. A parable typically has one main point or a few central truths, whereas a true allegory often has a one-to-one correspondence for many of its details. However, some parables, like the Parable of the Sower ([[Matthew 13:18-23]]), are given an allegorical interpretation by Jesus Himself, blurring the lines.
* **Similitude/Likeness:** The core idea of comparison inherent in *parabolḗ* connects it to other Greek words like *eikōn* (`{{G1503}}`, image, likeness) and *homoioma* (`{{G3667}}`, likeness, resemblance), which also convey the idea of drawing parallels or representing something.
### Theological Significance
The use of *parabolḗ* carries profound theological implications:
* **Divine Pedagogy:** Jesus' reliance on parables highlights a divine pedagogical strategy. Parables are accessible, memorable, and relatable, grounding profound spiritual truths in the mundane realities of human experience. They invite listeners to engage their minds and hearts, moving from the familiar to the spiritual.
* **The Nature of the Kingdom of God:** A central theme of Jesus' parables is the Kingdom of God. They illustrate its nature (e.g., small beginnings, [[Matthew 13:31-32]]), its growth (e.g., the leaven, [[Matthew 13:33]]), its demands (e.g., the cost of discipleship, [[Luke 14:28-33]]), and its future consummation (e.g., the wedding feast, [[Matthew 22:1-14]]). They often describe the Kingdom as both a present reality and a future hope.
* **Ethical and Moral Imperatives:** Many parables convey ethical challenges and moral instruction, calling listeners to repentance, faith, love, forgiveness, and justice (e.g., the Good Samaritan [[Luke 10:25-37]], the Unforgiving Servant [[Matthew 18:23-35]]). They demand a response and often expose the self-righteousness or spiritual blindness of the audience.
* **Christological Revelation:** Though not always explicitly about Jesus, many parables implicitly reveal aspects of His identity and mission. He is the Sower, the Shepherd, the Master, the Bridegroom—figures central to the parables who embody the Kingdom's presence and demands. The parables illuminate His authority and His unique relationship with the Father.
* **Spiritual Discernment:** The dual function of parables (revealing and concealing) underscores the necessity of spiritual discernment. Understanding the parables is not merely an intellectual exercise but requires a heart open to God's truth, given by the Spirit. This highlights the sovereignty of God in revealing truth and the responsibility of the hearer to respond in faith.
### Summary
The Greek word *parabolḗ* (`{{G3850}}`) signifies a "placing alongside" or "comparison," encompassing a range from simple proverbs to extended symbolic narratives. Most prominently, it defines Jesus' primary teaching method in the Synoptic Gospels, where parables served to illuminate the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" to receptive hearts while simultaneously veiling them from those unwilling to understand. In the book of Hebrews, *parabolḗ* can also denote a figure or symbolic representation. Theologically, Jesus' parables are crucial for understanding the nature, demands, and future of the Kingdom of God, providing ethical instruction, implicitly revealing Christ's identity, and calling for spiritual discernment. Rooted in the Old Testament *mashal* tradition, *parabolḗ* represents a profound and effective divine pedagogy, inviting listeners into a deeper encounter with God's truth.
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